Sen. Kennedy, Gov. Edwards escalate political feud

U.S. Sen.-elect John Kennedy tells voters: I won't let you down after being elected last fall.

Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy lashed out at Gov. John Bel Edwards Friday concerning Medicaid, saying the governor has done "nothing, nada, zero" to enact policies that could save the state money.

"John Bel's plan is always the same — give me more money," the Republican senator said of the Democratic governor in an interview with USA Today Network.

John Kennedy

John Kennedy

Melinda Deslatte

Edwards' spokesman responded with a sharp reply.

Gov. John Bel Edwards kicks off the Louisiana resiliency program, marking the start of the ...more

Gov. John Bel Edwards kicks off the Louisiana resiliency program, marking the start of the Vermilion Watershed study looking at regional drainage issues in the wake of the 2016 floods. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017.

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“Sen. Kennedy is notorious for spreading misinformation, but his letter suggests he lacks any understanding of the Medicaid program," said Edwards' deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo.

"It's disingenuous for Sen. Kennedy, who has been on the public payroll for nearly 40 years, to suddenly oppose his fellow citizens receiving the same healthcare opportunities that he has benefited from almost his entire adult life," Carbo said.

On Thursday Kennedy sent a letter of suggestions on possible savings.

Among them are requiring Medicaid recipients to work, provide a co-pay or pay a premium for the health insurance, which is currently free.

Kennedy used examples of other states like Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas that have enacted or are considering enacting such changes.

"I don't think any of these solutions are unreasonable," Kennedy said.

Carbo said Edwards and the Department of Health are "already pursuing effective, evidence-based policies" and noted the department requested 14 percent less general fund revenue this year.

Carbo said the state has connected with Kentucky to learn about its model and the department proposed a bill that would have implemented an $8 co-pay that got no traction from the Legislature, among other initiatives.

To which Kennedy replied: "It says something if a governor is so weak he can't even get a bill out of committee," referring to the co-pay bill.

Carbo also said Medicaid beneficiaries already must report changes in income and circumstances, "so this recommendation is already policy."

“That said, while Sen. Kennedy’s on another vacation from his duties in the U.S. Senate, thousands of Louisiana flood victims are waiting for him to deliver on his commitment to help them rebuild," Carbo said.

Kennedy and Edwards have had frequent fractious exchanges since Edwards was elected governor.

Kennedy is considered a rival who might run for governor against Edwards in 2019.

"This is Louisiana and people always want to talk politics — I get that," Kennedy said. "But right now I'm not focused on that I'm focused on policy."

Louisiana has about 1.6 million residents who receive Medicaid. More than 400,000 have been added since Edwards opted into the Medicaid expansion in 2016.

Kennedy said the Trump administration has given states permission to "experiment" with ways to create Medicaid savings.

Though federal funds pay for the majority of Medicaid costs, states must provide a match.

"John Bel says, 'Don't worry, it's all federal money," Kennedy said. "No. 1, that's still tax money and No. 2 our state contribution is going up every year and it's now at $3.5 billion."

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1